France Tours

Europe’s most popular destination of chic and cool—la Belle France—is primed for tailor-made tours offering immeasurable pleasures. Accompanied by your experienced guide, descend into the original champagne caves dug by the Romans and wine cellars dating back to the 13th-century. Tour the vineyards of Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champa ...gne for wine tastings and more. With your driver and English-speaking guide, roam the intoxicating landscapes of Provence. Follow in the footsteps of painter Van Gogh—visit his olive groves and sun-drenched fields. Stroll town squares and linger in cafés immortalized by the artist in vibrant colors. In small groups, walk through glittering palaces at Versailles and explore stately castles on the Loire. Or, embark on a river cruise through Burgundy with stops along the way. Whatever you desire, be it a private tour of the Louvre or the battlefield beaches of Normandy, the best fashionista bargains in Paris, a VIP seat at the Tour de France cycling race, or a private cooking lesson with Mediterranean herbs, our experts will craft your personalized, tailor-made French tour.Show More

If there's one thing the French are renowned for, it's their love of wine. Excite your palate and celebrate the broad spectrum of French wines as you explore the delights of Paris, Bordeaux and Burgundy along the way.

Charming France is a country with secrets behind every doorway. On this exclusive tour you will visit Paris, away from the crowds, experience a remote castle stay in the mythic Loire Valley, and admire Provence just as its great artists did.

Explore three of Europe's most stylish cultural capitals with a private guide. Cruise Amsterdam's canals, take a panoramic tour of Paris & Versailles, and catch the highlights of London, Stonehenge & Bath.

BEFORE YOU GO

On Your France Tour

Introduction

Unique Experiences

PASSPORTS

VISAS

INSURANCE

VACCINATIONS

MEDICATION

WEATHER, SEASONS & CLIMATE

ELECTRICITY, PHONE & INTERNET

CURRENCY

Quick Facts

Traveling In France

France is the most visited country in the world, and there is little mystery as to why. Whether it is pairing sensuous wines with rich cheeses, enjoying a beautiful dinner atop the Eiffel tower or simply strolling down cobblestone streets, there is a romance in the French air that is impossible to replicate. Going on a France tour is like something out of a movie - you can wander through fields of lavender, lie out and tan on picturesque beaches, and then finish with a stop at one of the main beautiful palaces.

Unique Travel Experiences in France

Dine atop the Eiffel tower

If there is a single symbol that represents France to the world, it the Eiffel Tower. The Iron Lady, as she is affectionately referred to by the locals, has stood tall since it was it was debuted in the 1889 World’s Fair, a symbol not only of the strength of France but of its commitment to artistry as well. Its creator Gustav Eiffel once said: “It is one of the most striking of our modern national genius.”

Every year, it enthralls millions of visitors, and is in fact the most sought-after paid monument anywhere in the world. Guests can even enjoy a lovely dinner from atop the tower, from one of the many restaurants inside. Eating dinner at the Eiffel Tower combines two quintessentially French experiences - enjoying delicious food, and looking out over picturesque vistas.

See the beaches at Normandy

For most of its history, Normandy was a typical French vacation destination. It has sprawling farmlands, rich forests and calm beaches, making it an ideal setting for those looking to get a little bit of relaxation.

That all changed in 1944, when it was chosen by Allied forces as the location for their invasion and eventual liberation of France. That decision changed not only Normandy, but the course of human history. The invasion was successful, and Normandy stands today as a powerful reminder of the reality of evil and the inevitable triumph of good. It is an important site for WWII buffs, researchers of history and any other person who wishes to learn more about a location where so many made the ultimate sacrifice.

Sip wine in Burgundy

Even in a country well-celebrated for the quality of its wine, those produced in the Burgundy region stand out. Archeological evidence suggests that people have been making wine in the region since as early as the second century C.E., and for centuries it has been known throughout the world for its viticulture. The bottles produced in Burgundy are among the highest-rated in the world, most notably its dry reds produced by Pinot Noir grapes and its white wines made from Chardonnay grapes. All it takes is a single sip to understand just how amazing they are.

Wander the lavender fields of Provence

Every summer, from June to August, the lavender fields in Provence bloom, bathing the town in their sweet scent and providing postcard-worthy views. Visitors can witness rows and rows of the blue-purple flowers for as far as the eye can see, a one-of-a-kind experience that is not to be missed. Afterwards, stop by the local boutiques to indulge in some of the luscious products that the plant can produce, such as soaps, cosmetics and even lavender sorbet.

Drive the Grand Prix circuit

Looking to get a little extra adrenaline during your vacation? Look no further than the Grand Prix circuit. For anybody who is enthusiastic about cars, it is the driving experience of a lifetime. Get behind the wheel of some of the most famous and rare cars in the world and feel the unmitigated power. Look out over the views as you rev up the engine, completely in control of the sort of vehicle that most people only see in pictures or movies. The rush that you get as you zip around the track faster than you’ve ever gone before is sure to last long after you’ve pressed the brakes.

Cruise the river Seine

For a little bit of a different view of Paris, cruise down the river Seine, which runs right down the middle of the iconic city. You have the chance to glide leisurely under the city’s many bridges, watching Paris and its majestic monuments floating idly by. Travel by day and see the hustle and bustle of one of the major metropolitan areas in the world. Cruise by night and see the twinkle of the city lights suspended against the dusky skyline, a stunning panorama. This is an especially good choice for those traveling with children, as it provides ample opportunity for education, exploration and sightseeing.

Stroll down the boardwalk at Nice

Strolling down the boardwalk in Nice is a relaxing, low-key way to take in one of the prettiest cities in all of France. Just over three miles long, it’s the perfect length for spending an afternoon walking, taking pictures and enjoying watching the people that go by. Gaze out onto the calm beach as you wander, taking in the varied architecture and myriad shops that line the boardwalk itself. Or, if you’re interested in something a little more active, it is also one of the best spots the city has to offer for running, biking and rollerblading.

Passport Requirements for France Tours

American and Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended return date in order to enter and depart the country. Tourists must also provide proof of return or onward travel. Each traveler is responsible for ensuring that his/her passport is up to date. Citizens of other nationalities should check with respective authorities before departure.

Please ensure that the name on your passport matches all travel documents we have issued. If this is not the case, please contact us immediately.

Please make a photocopy of your passport’s identification page and keep it separate from your original. It’s also a good idea to leave a digital copy with someone at home. This may speed up the replacement process should you lose your passport.

Visa Requirements for France Tours

A visa is not required for citizens of the U.S. and Canada. Citizens from other countries may require a valid visa. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of France for the most up-to-date visa information.

Insurance Recommendations for France Tours

Cancelation and Medical Insurance is highly recommended as it can safeguard against the expenses associated with in-country medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage and emergency cancelation or interruption of your trip. Medical facilities in France are comparable to North American facilities. Please ensure your policy will provide you with upfront medical coverage so that you are not responsible for a hefty medical bill. Insurance can be purchased through us.

Vaccination Requirements for France Tours

We always recommend that you see a doctor or health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. They will best determine your vaccination and medication needs based on your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, planned activities and up-to-the-minute requirement changes. For all vaccinations and health requirements, we also recommend that you consult the World Health Organization (WHO): http://www.who.int or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://wwwnc.cdc.gov.

Medication Requirements for France Tours

If there are any medical items that are essential to your health, such as prescription drugs or corrective eye wear, bring duplicates and divide them between your checked bags and hand luggage. While non-prescription drugs such as aspirin are generally available, it is difficult to replace prescription items.

Weather, Seasons and Climate in France

Weather in France depends on the region. The northern part of the county is characterised by relatively mild winters and warm summers and year round precipitation. Inland France typically has hotter summers (can reach 40° C), and colder winters (average low of 2° C), with precipitation year round. The climate in Southern France is similar to that of Northern France, but with warmer temperatures and most of its precipitation in the winter. For up-to-date forecasts, check weather.com.

Electricity, Phone and Internet in France

Electricity in France is 220 to 230 volts. French sockets are designed to accept two round prongs. Some sockets will take plugs with large prongs only; others will take ones with small prongs. A multi-adaptor with different plug configurations can be very useful. We advise not to bring a hair dryer as it could blow a fuse.

Phone: Roaming charges vary between carriers, but tend to be quite costly. Consult your phone provider prior to departure to discuss overseas rates and international package options. It is also possible to purchase a SIM card locally to avoid international charges when calling numbers within France. (You should check to see that your cell phone is SIM card compatible.)

Internet: Internet cafés and wireless access is available in most urban areas, airports and hotels throughout France.

Currency in France

Generally speaking, we advise bringing €70-100 per day, per person, for spending money. Be sure to bring lots of small bills for porters, wait staff and housekeeping (not obligatory and based on your satisfaction). Euro paper money comes in different colors and denominations (5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 notes). There are also Eurocent coins: 1 cent, 2 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 and 2 Euro. Your largest bills should be 50 Euros, with a combination of 5’s, 10’s and 20’s. We recommend that you bring approximately 100 Euros of spare cash in small denominations to have ready for tips and expenses when you first arrive.

We recommend that you get local currency from your bank before you leave home or from a bank machine in-country which is much cheaper than an exchange service at the airport or in tourist areas. Your bank card may work, but Visa or MasterCard are more widely accepted. You will need a 4-digit PIN to be able to use your cards in Europe.